Chacoan Peccary

Catagonus wagneri

Extinct to Endangered

Chacoan peccaries were once thought to be extinct, until the 1970s, when scientists found a small population. They are the largest of three species of peccary and the most endangered, with only about 3,000 left in the wild.

About the Species

These animals are only found in the Gran Chaco, an arid region of Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina.

The Chacoan peccary looks like a pig, but it is actually in a different family, called Tayassuidae. These are the native "pigs" of the Americas, and actually only includes three living species. The Chacoan peccary is the largest of the three peccary species. They have long bristly hair. Peccaries live in social groups. They may communicate with a variety of sounds. You can often hear the peccaries at the Zoo grunting. Peccaries also communicate with scent glands, which are located on their back. They mark their territory with these scent glands. To cool off, peccaries seek shelter in the shade or wallow in mud holes. The population of Chacoan peccary is declining due to habitat loss and over-hunting. Although they are a protected species, there is not much enforcement of these laws, and hunting even occurs in national parks.

Words From the Experts

Chacoan peccaries have huge sinuses that help deal with the arid conditions of the Chaco and have tiny feet to navigate through thorny or bushy areas. Come out to visit these amazing animals and observe their unique behaviors!

Nikki

Did You Know?

Chacoan peccaries use their rubbery snout to roll around cacti to rub off the spines before eating.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Sign up to get interesting news and updates delivered to your inbox.

By submitting this form, you are granting: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3755 W. Seminole Blvd. Sanford, Florida, 32771, United States, permission to email you. You may unsubscribe via the link found at the bottom of every email. (See our Email Privacy Policy for details.) Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.